by Dena Bless
Feb. 23, 2026
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country and look to our Convention theme of Preserving Liberty, we are doing a special series of blogs over the next few months about different aspects of the founding of our country. This week we look at some of the significant events of the birth of our nation. Paul Revere’s Ride and The Shot Heard ‘Round the World Paul Revere is the name we all know, but was he the only one involved in that famous ride? What was the signal they devised? Create a map of the route(s) taken. What happened to those involved - that night and later in the war? What was “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World”? Why was it so significant that it earned that name? How is it linked to Paul Revere’s Ride? Both of these events have famous poems associated with them. Read (memorize, act out?) “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and/or “Concord Hymn” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. What inspired them to write these poems? Many artists aren’t appreciated until after they’re dead and receive very little recognition during their lifetimes. Was this true of Longfellow or Emerson? Longfellow’s family faced severe tests of faith. How did these tests affect them in the short and long term? (I Heard the Bells is a movie about part of his life.) Resources (some sites will have multiple pages): Academy of American Poets (“Paul Revere's Ride” and “Concord Hymn”) Defining Winters Crossing the Delaware Why is this event considered key to the success of the Revolutionary War both symbolically and in reality? What were some of the obstacles to accomplishing George Washington’s goal? Valley Forge What were conditions like at Valley Forge that winter? How did they survive? What would be equivalent circumstances today? Can you recreate a scene of what it might have been like? What key event happened that enabled the Continental Army to be successful afterwards? Who was Baron von Steuben, and why did he help the Americans? Resources (some sites will have multiple pages): National Park Service (Valley Forge) American Battlefield Trust (Crossing the Delaware and Valley Forge) George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Crossing the Delaware and Valley Forge) National Museum of the US Army (Crossing the Delaware and Valley Forge) Yorktown and the Surrender of the British How long was this “final battle” and when did the war actually end? How many years did the war last? Who were the key players? Why were there Frenchmen there? What role did they play? The British surrender was not a quick and easy thing. How long did it take to finalize the treaty that ended the American Revolution? What were some of the terms of the surrender which show the concerns on both sides? Was there grace or mercy shown by either side? Who made the final agreement? Did the men who made the agreement participate in the ceremony? Why or why not? Resources (some sites will have multiple pages): Famous Artwork There are famous (and maybe not-so-famous) paintings of all of these events. Who painted each one? Why did they choose that particular subject? Is it similar in style to other works by the same artist, or did they do something different in their treatment of these subjects? Did the various artists have similar or differing styles? How historically accurate are they? Did any of the artists make changes in order to create more symbolism than reality? Compare and contrast the techniques and mediums used. How do they highlight or shadow certain people/aspects of the event? Choose your favorite and recreate it – freehand if you can or print a template. What medium do you prefer to use? Resources (search individual pieces of art, or here are a few collections): Museum of the American Revolution (Collection Highlights and Liberty Exhibit Audio Tour) Other Resources If you want to explore more about the people and events key to the founding of our country over the next several months: YWAM Publishing has a wonderful Heroes of History series of biographies for both young and older kids (and you can visit their booth at the CHEA Convention in July). Adventures in Odyssey (Focus on the Family) has several episodes set during important events in American history. Liberty’s Kids video series tells many of the stories from the viewpoint of a group of kids/young teens, making it more relatable for children. YouTube has videos about all of these events as well. We recommend previewing them first to make sure they’re accurate and appropriate for your family. _______________________________ Dena Bless is extremely grateful for the many freedoms we enjoy in our country. The freedom to homeschool her two daughters and raise them in the Lord was a tremendous blessing to their entire family. She loves being a part of CHEA, Preserving Liberty for families across the state, and encouraging the families to embrace it.
